Things to Do in Marseille: Vieux-Port, Calanques & Museums

Start where Marseille began. The Vieux-Port has been the city's beating heart for over 2,600 years, lined with cafés, fishing boats and morning fish markets. Explore Fort Saint-Jean, wander the quays, and soak up the maritime atmosphere that defines France's oldest city.

Crowning Marseille's highest hill, the Neo-Byzantine basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde rewards visitors with the city's most breathtaking panoramas over the rooftops, harbour and shimmering Mediterranean. It is the spiritual symbol of Marseille and an unmissable stop for first-time visitors.

Just beyond the city, the Calanques National Park unfolds in a dramatic landscape of white limestone cliffs, hidden coves and turquoise water. Hike the coastal trails, take a boat trip from the Vieux-Port, or relax on Marseille's beaches for the ultimate Mediterranean escape.

Discover Marseille's rich cultural side at the MuCEM, the striking museum dedicated to Mediterranean civilisations, then explore the artists' quarter of Le Panier and the historic Vieille Charité. From contemporary galleries to ancient history, the city offers a wealth of cultural experiences.

Taste the soul of Marseille through its legendary bouillabaisse, fresh seafood and vibrant street food. Browse the bustling Noailles market, dine along the Vieux-Port, and head to Cours Julien after dark for buzzing bars, live music and one of the South of France's most energetic nightlife scenes.

The historic and social heart of Marseille, the Vieux-Port is where the city comes to life. Stay here for easy access to the morning fish market, waterfront restaurants, ferries to Château d'If, and lively terraces. It's the ideal base for first-time visitors wanting to be in the centre of the action.

Marseille's oldest district, Le Panier is a maze of colourful, sloping lanes filled with street art, artisan boutiques and bohemian charm. Home to the Vieille Charité cultural centre, it's the perfect neighbourhood for wandering, discovering hidden squares, and soaking up the city's creative atmosphere.

Often called the belly of Marseille, Noailles buzzes with the energy of a North African medina. The Marché des Capucins overflows with spices, fresh produce and street food, while bakeries and tiny eateries showcase the city's multicultural soul. It's loud, authentic and endlessly fascinating.

The creative and bohemian heart of Marseille, Cours Julien is covered in vibrant street art and lined with indie bars, record shops, live-music venues and laid-back terraces. It's the place to experience the city's artistic energy and its lively after-dark scene.

Following the coast south of the centre, the Corniche Kennedy is Marseille's scenic seafront boulevard, offering sweeping sea views, small beaches and the picturesque Vallon des Auffes fishing harbour. It's the place to stroll at sunset and enjoy fresh seafood by the water.

Marseille's revitalised waterfront district, La Joliette blends modern architecture with maritime heritage. Home to the redeveloped Les Docks, the Terrasses du Port shopping centre and the MuCEM nearby, it's a sleek, contemporary area showcasing the city's 21st-century transformation.

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Just 30 minutes from Marseille, the pretty seaside town of Cassis charms visitors with its colourful harbour, sandy beaches and surrounding vineyards. It's the perfect gateway to the eastern Calanques and a relaxed Provençal escape by the sea.

Stretching between Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques National Park is a breathtaking landscape of white limestone cliffs, turquoise inlets and hidden beaches. Explore by hiking trail or boat tour for some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in France.

Just 30 minutes away, the elegant city of Aix-en-Provence is famous for its tree-lined boulevards, lively markets, grand fountains and connections to the painter Paul Cézanne. It's the quintessential Provençal town and an easy, rewarding day trip.

A short boat ride from the Vieux-Port, the island fortress of Château d'If — immortalised in The Count of Monte Cristo — and the rugged Frioul archipelago offer dramatic sea views, secluded coves and a fascinating slice of Marseille's maritime history.

Around an hour from Marseille, the historic city of Avignon is home to the magnificent Palais des Papes and the famous Pont d'Avignon. A UNESCO World Heritage city, it's a captivating destination for lovers of history and architecture.

A treasure trove of Roman history and Provençal charm, Arles is famous for its ancient amphitheatre, atmospheric old town and links to Vincent van Gogh. Just over an hour from Marseille, it's an unforgettable cultural day trip.